Did you know that 71% of the Earth’s surface is water? Similarly, around 60% of a human’s body is water! The heart and brain contain up to 85% water composition! Water is the basis for life, and is, therefore, one of the most important substances in our world!
Adequate water intake is crucial for human beings, animals, and plants! We’ve been taught in school that we should drink around 8 cups of water per day to maintain optimum health. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, our total water intake per day should range from 11.5 to 15.5 cups each day! They also say that 20% (two to three cups) of that should come from fruits, vegetables, and other food consumed, meaning that, ideally, we should drink around 10 cups of water each day to meet our body’s optimal water intake needs.
What are the benefits of drinking the recommended amount of water?
All of the body’s organs, bones, and joints require adequate water for them to function properly. The Harvard Medical School detailed that the benefits include, flushing toxins and waste from the body, improving the digestive function of the body, normalizing blood pressure and heartbeat, providing a cushion for the body’s joints, regulating body temperature, and normalizing sodium levels. Undoubtedly, the combination of those benefits contributes to greater overall health and wellness.
Drinking water before and after meals also regulates a person’s food intake, which can, in turn, prevent overeating which can lead to obesity and other non-communicable diseases like high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.
According to a study from the University of Connecticut, drinking adequate water can also contribute to improved focus and increased energy levels, while contributing to the production of dopamine, a hormone in the body that helps the brain to sense and enjoy happiness and pleasure. Need we say more about how beneficial water consumption is?
Can we drink too much water?
As beneficial as water consumption is, there are some circumstances in which too much can be bad. Persons suffering from thyroid, bladder, or kidney diseases should consult with their doctor to determine what their optimal daily water intake should be, so they can avoid any adverse effects. In general, a person should also avoid forcing water down, since the body can convey when it is thirsty or not. Experiencing very clear urine over a long period is one indication that too much water is being consumed.
How can I meet my daily intake requirement if I struggle to drink water?
Spruce is up! Fruits contain high levels of water, and the flavors make them much more fun to consume. Fruits like watermelon, pineapple, mangos, and cucumbers can contain up to 90% water content! Since they also contain high levels of sugar, they do not completely substitute for drinking actual water. You can spruce up your direct water intake by adding refreshing cucumber slices to your water mug, mint leaves, lime wedges, or even ginger! You can try different options to find which works best for you, so you can gift your body its favorite nutrient – water.
Challenge yourself!
In recognition of World Water Day 2022, celebrated on March 22, RF&G Life encourages everyone to assess their daily water intake! Are you near the recommended target? 10 glasses of water per day may sound impractical to achieve, but you can do it! You can consume a half glass of water every half hour, allowing you to achieve the target between 7 am and 5 pm! Sounds much easier when you consider it that way, right? Getting adequate water will boost your overall health and wellness, enhance your overall quality of life, help you avoid some diseases and injuries, and allows you to live longer and healthier! You can do it; challenge yourself!